Joao Moreira has become just the third jockey in history to ride 1000 winners in Hong Kong, notching the milestone with a treble at Happy Valley.

He trails only champion horseman Douglas Whyte with 1813 wins and arch rival Zac Purton, who sits on 1209.

"I really enjoy doing what I do and I'm very pleased and glad to get to such a mark, a mark I never dreamed to get to - it's very meaningful," Moreira told the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

The Brazilian-born Moreira credited the support of his wife Taciana and his family for the success he achieves in his riding career.

His Happy Valley treble took his season tally of wins to 56, 17 more than his nearest rival Purton.

Moreira has also ridden more than 1000 winners in South America and claimed four Singapore jockeys' titles during his decorated career.

He was crowned Hong Kong's champion jockey in three successive seasons from 2014/15 and 2016/17 and is on target to capture a fourth.